2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, presented a more understated and less ostentatious appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided a gaudy grille, unlike the BMW X7 or Lexus LX. However, other GLS models, such as the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach version, offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and chrome accents. The interior of the GLS 450, even in its basic form, exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, though it lacked some high-end features like reclining seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed for global appeal, affordability, and practicality. It quickly became Volkswagen’s third-best selling model in the U.S. in 2022, surpassing the Jetta. The Taos SEL trim, priced at $35,830, featured bold 19-inch alloy wheels, Cornflower Blue paint, and a premium interior with light gray accents, gloss black trim, and leather seats. The Taos offered impressive interior space, nearly matching the larger Tiguan, making it one of the roomiest small crossover SUVs available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor in short bursts. The GLS 450’s inline-six engine provided smooth and ample power, but the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to a less comfortable ride. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for FWD models and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for AWD models. The Taos offered up to five driving modes and four additional settings for the 4Motion AWD system. However, the powertrain response was unpredictable, and the dual-clutch transmission exhibited halting behavior. The Taos SEL averaged 26.8 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. Despite its sporty handling and firm ride, the Taos lacked the power of some competitors in its price range.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for third-row access, and the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, but the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered different upholstery options across its trims, with the SEL trim featuring real leather. The SE and SEL trims included cold-weather equipment, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The Taos provided ample rear-seat room and comfort, with generous cargo space of 27.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The 4Motion models had slightly reduced cargo space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system was user-friendly, but the touchpad controller was overly sensitive. The navigation system had some issues, including suggesting inefficient routes.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL trim featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the SEL offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and an eight-speaker Beats Audio system. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden virtual controls, a complicated radio tuning process, and a subpar voice-recognition system. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a better experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and Crosswind Assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added the IQ.Drive collection of ADAS, including Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors with automatic braking. Travel Assist performed well during testing, providing smooth and accurate assistance. Crash-test ratings were decent but not perfect.